Factors Associated With Functional Limitations in Daily Living Among Older Adults in Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: This paper assesses the relationship between demographics, health parameters, and functional limitations among older adults in Korea, including limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

Methods: We analyzed data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging survey in 2020 and included only participants aged 65 and older. Multinomial logistic regression models were conducted to evaluate the factors that predicted functional limitations.

Results: The prevalence of at least one ADL and IADL limitations were 6.14% (severe 1.94% and moderate 4.20%) and 15.49% (severe 3.11% and moderate 12.38%), respectively. People aged 85 and older had high rates of severe disability with 7.37% for ADLs and 12.06% for IADLs. High rates also occurred among people with low education, underweight, physical inactivity, depression, and three or more chronic diseases.

Conclusion: Factors associated with functional limitations were age, educational status, body mass index, physical activity, depression, and chronic diseases. To prevent and improve functional limitations in the older populations, active and applicable interventions should be considered for modifiable factors such as physical activity, depression, and abnormal weight.